U.S. Chargé on I.C.J.

Keith Gilges

The referendum is set for April tenth. 2019. It is the day when Belizeans will go to the polls to decide if the Belize-Guatemalan territorial dispute should be taken before the I.C.J.  It is arguably the important voting decision that Belizeans will have to make. And while there has been very spirited debate on whether you should vote yes or no,  the U.S. Head of Mission Keith Gilges says it is important that you educate yourself about the history of the dispute and the referendum – but most importantly that you know that the choice is yours and don’t let others decided it for you.

Keith Gilges, U.S. Chargé d’ Affaires

“Belize’s voter re registration campaign began in July. At this time about sixty percent of eligible voters have registered. I know it is not always easy to take the time necessary from work and family responsibilities to go register but it is vital that everyone do so and next year on April tenth, Belizean’s will exercise their right on whether Belizean’s should submit their territorial dispute with Guatemala to International Court of Justice. Every vote counts and you have an important impact on the outcome. It is important that everyone that can vote learns about the history of the dispute, the previous attempts to solve it and the referendum itself. Ultimately the choice is yours; don’t let others decide for you.”